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Dong W, Liu S, Li S, Wang Z. Cell reprogramming therapy for Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2444-2455. [PMID: 38526281 PMCID: PMC11090434 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is typically characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Many studies have been performed based on the supplementation of lost dopaminergic neurons to treat Parkinson's disease. The initial strategy for cell replacement therapy used human fetal ventral midbrain and human embryonic stem cells to treat Parkinson's disease, which could substantially alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease in clinical practice. However, ethical issues and tumor formation were limitations of its clinical application. Induced pluripotent stem cells can be acquired without sacrificing human embryos, which eliminates the huge ethical barriers of human stem cell therapy. Another widely considered neuronal regeneration strategy is to directly reprogram fibroblasts and astrocytes into neurons, without the need for intermediate proliferation states, thus avoiding issues of immune rejection and tumor formation. Both induced pluripotent stem cells and direct reprogramming of lineage cells have shown promising results in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, there are also ethical concerns and the risk of tumor formation that need to be addressed. This review highlights the current application status of cell reprogramming in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, focusing on the use of induced pluripotent stem cells in cell replacement therapy, including preclinical animal models and progress in clinical research. The review also discusses the advancements in direct reprogramming of lineage cells in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, as well as the controversy surrounding in vivo reprogramming. These findings suggest that cell reprogramming may hold great promise as a potential strategy for treating Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shuyi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Shangang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
| | - Zhengbo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Institute of Primate Translational Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Primate Biomedical Research, Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
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2
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Papadimitriou E, Thomaidou D. Post-transcriptional mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and direct neuronal reprogramming. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1929-1939. [PMID: 38227517 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.390976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis is a tightly regulated process in time and space both in the developing embryo and in adult neurogenic niches. A drastic change in the transcriptome and proteome of radial glial cells or neural stem cells towards the neuronal state is achieved due to sophisticated mechanisms of epigenetic, transcriptional, and post-transcriptional regulation. Understanding these neurogenic mechanisms is of major importance, not only for shedding light on very complex and crucial developmental processes, but also for the identification of putative reprogramming factors, that harbor hierarchically central regulatory roles in the course of neurogenesis and bare thus the capacity to drive direct reprogramming towards the neuronal fate. The major transcriptional programs that orchestrate the neurogenic process have been the focus of research for many years and key neurogenic transcription factors, as well as repressor complexes, have been identified and employed in direct reprogramming protocols to convert non-neuronal cells, into functional neurons. The post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression during nervous system development has emerged as another important and intricate regulatory layer, strongly contributing to the complexity of the mechanisms controlling neurogenesis and neuronal function. In particular, recent advances are highlighting the importance of specific RNA binding proteins that control major steps of mRNA life cycle during neurogenesis, such as alternative splicing, polyadenylation, stability, and translation. Apart from the RNA binding proteins, microRNAs, a class of small non-coding RNAs that block the translation of their target mRNAs, have also been shown to play crucial roles in all the stages of the neurogenic process, from neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation, neuronal differentiation and migration, to functional maturation. Here, we provide an overview of the most prominent post-transcriptional mechanisms mediated by RNA binding proteins and microRNAs during the neurogenic process, giving particular emphasis on the interplay of specific RNA binding proteins with neurogenic microRNAs. Taking under consideration that the molecular mechanisms of neurogenesis exert high similarity to the ones driving direct neuronal reprogramming, we also discuss the current advances in in vitro and in vivo direct neuronal reprogramming approaches that have employed microRNAs or RNA binding proteins as reprogramming factors, highlighting the so far known mechanisms of their reprogramming action.
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3
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Luo C, Yang J. Age- and disease-related autophagy impairment in Huntington disease: New insights from direct neuronal reprogramming. Aging Cell 2024:e14285. [PMID: 39044402 DOI: 10.1111/acel.14285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy impairment in Huntington disease (HD) has been reported for almost two decades. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are still unclear. This is partially because it is challenging to model the impact of the disease-causing mutation, aging, as well as the selective vulnerability of neurons in a single model. Recently developed direct neuronal reprogramming that allows researchers to induce neurons-of-interest retaining biological aging information made it possible to establish HD cellular models to study more relevant age- and disease-related molecular changes in neurons. We here summarized the findings from a few latest studies utilizing directly reprogrammed HD neurons and discussed the new insights they brought to the understanding of the age- and disease-related autophagy impairment in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuyang Luo
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junsheng Yang
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and nuclear factor I (NFI) factors in adult mammalian retina. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn2091. [PMID: 38996013 PMCID: PMC11244444 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn2091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for treating neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we present an efficient method for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons. By suppressing Notch signaling by disrupting either Rbpj or Notch1/2, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar- and amacrine-like neurons. We demonstrate that Rbpj directly activates both Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while indirectly repressing expression of neurogenic basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factors. Combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Last, inducing Müller glial proliferation by overexpression of dominant-active Yap promotes neurogenesis in both Rbpj- and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj-deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that Notch signaling and NFI factors act in parallel to inhibit neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia and help clarify potential strategies for regenerative therapies aimed at treating retinal dystrophies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nguyet Le
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Trieu-Duc Vu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
| | - Isabella Palazzo
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ritvik Pulya
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Yehna Kim
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Seth Blackshaw
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Institute for Cell Engineering, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Thanh Hoang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
- Michigan Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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5
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Wang L, Xu W, Zhang S, Gundberg GC, Zheng CR, Wan Z, Mustafina K, Caliendo F, Sandt H, Kamm R, Weiss R. Sensing and guiding cell-state transitions by using genetically encoded endoribonuclease-mediated microRNA sensors. Nat Biomed Eng 2024:10.1038/s41551-024-01229-z. [PMID: 38982158 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-024-01229-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Precisely sensing and guiding cell-state transitions via the conditional genetic activation of appropriate differentiation factors is challenging. Here we show that desired cell-state transitions can be guided via genetically encoded sensors, whereby endogenous cell-state-specific miRNAs regulate the translation of a constitutively transcribed endoribonuclease, which, in turn, controls the translation of a gene of interest. We used this approach to monitor several cell-state transitions, to enrich specific cell types and to automatically guide the multistep differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells towards a haematopoietic lineage via endothelial cells as an intermediate state. Such conditional activation of gene expression is durable and resistant to epigenetic silencing and could facilitate the monitoring of cell-state transitions in physiological and pathological conditions and eventually the 'rewiring' of cell-state transitions for applications in organoid-based disease modelling, cellular therapies and regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Wenlong Xu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Shun Zhang
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gregory C Gundberg
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Christine R Zheng
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Zhengpeng Wan
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kamila Mustafina
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fabio Caliendo
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Hayden Sandt
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Roger Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ron Weiss
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Synthetic Biology Center, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Liang S, Zhou J, Yu X, Lu S, Liu R. Neuronal conversion from glia to replenish the lost neurons. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:1446-1453. [PMID: 38051886 PMCID: PMC10883502 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.386400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Neuronal injury, aging, and cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases such as cerebral infarction, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease are characterized by significant neuronal loss. Unfortunately, the neurons of most mammals including humans do not possess the ability to self-regenerate. Replenishment of lost neurons becomes an appealing therapeutic strategy to reverse the disease phenotype. Transplantation of pluripotent neural stem cells can supplement the missing neurons in the brain, but it carries the risk of causing gene mutation, tumorigenesis, severe inflammation, and obstructive hydrocephalus induced by brain edema. Conversion of neural or non-neural lineage cells into functional neurons is a promising strategy for the diseases involving neuron loss, which may overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of neural stem cell therapy. Thus far, many strategies to transform astrocytes, fibroblasts, microglia, Müller glia, NG2 cells, and other glial cells to mature and functional neurons, or for the conversion between neuronal subtypes have been developed through the regulation of transcription factors, polypyrimidine tract binding protein 1 (PTBP1), and small chemical molecules or are based on a combination of several factors and the location in the central nervous system. However, some recent papers did not obtain expected results, and discrepancies exist. Therefore, in this review, we discuss the history of neuronal transdifferentiation, summarize the strategies for neuronal replenishment and conversion from glia, especially astrocytes, and point out that biosafety, new strategies, and the accurate origin of the truly converted neurons in vivo should be focused upon in future studies. It also arises the attention of replenishing the lost neurons from glia by gene therapies such as up-regulation of some transcription factors or down-regulation of PTBP1 or drug interference therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liang
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Rehabilitation, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaolin Yu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Lu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruitian Liu
- National Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Zhang J, Li H, Niswander LA. m 5C methylated lncRncr3-MeCP2 interaction restricts miR124a-initiated neurogenesis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5136. [PMID: 38879605 PMCID: PMC11180186 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49368-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Coordination of neuronal differentiation with expansion of the neuroepithelial/neural progenitor cell (NEPC/NPC) pool is essential in early brain development. Our in vitro and in vivo studies identify independent and opposing roles for two neural-specific and differentially expressed non-coding RNAs derived from the same locus: the evolutionarily conserved lncRNA Rncr3 and the embedded microRNA miR124a-1. Rncr3 regulates NEPC/NPC proliferation and controls the biogenesis of miR124a, which determines neuronal differentiation. Rncr3 conserved exons 2/3 are cytosine methylated and bound by methyl-CpG binding protein MeCP2, which restricts expression of miR124a embedded in exon 4 to prevent premature neuronal differentiation, and to orchestrate proper brain growth. MeCP2 directly binds cytosine-methylated Rncr3 through previously unrecognized lysine residues and suppresses miR124a processing by recruiting PTBP1 to block access of DROSHA-DGCR8. Thus, miRNA processing is controlled by lncRNA m5C methylation along with the defined m5C epitranscriptomic RNA reader protein MeCP2 to coordinate brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Huili Li
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Lee A Niswander
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
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Nguyen LD, Sengupta S, Cho K, Floru A, George RE, Krichevsky AM. Novel miRNA-inducing drugs enable differentiation of retinoic acid-resistant neuroblastoma cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.06.05.597584. [PMID: 38895399 PMCID: PMC11185630 DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.05.597584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cell heterogeneity in neuroblastoma, a pediatric cancer arising from neural crest-derived progenitor cells, poses a significant clinical challenge. In particular, unlike adrenergic (ADRN) neuroblastoma cells, mesenchymal (MES) cells are resistant to chemotherapy and retinoid therapy and thereby significantly contribute to relapses and treatment failures. Previous research suggested that overexpression or activation of miR-124, a neurogenic microRNA with tumor suppressor activity, can induce the differentiation of retinoic acid-resistant neuroblastoma cells. Leveraging our established screen for miRNA modulatory small molecules, we validated PP121, a dual inhibitor of tyrosine and phosphoinositide kinases, as a robust inducer of miR-124. A combination of PP121 and miR-132-inducing bufalin synergistically arrests proliferation, induces differentiation, and prolongs the survival of differentiated MES SK-N-AS cells for 8 weeks. RNA- seq and deconvolution analyses revealed a collapse of the ADRN core regulatory circuitry (CRC) and the emergence of novel CRCs associated with chromaffin cells and Schwann cell precursors. Using a similar protocol, we differentiated and maintained other MES neuroblastoma, as well as glioblastoma cells, over 16 weeks. In conclusion, our novel protocol suggests a promising treatment for therapy-resistant cancers of the nervous system. Moreover, these long-lived, differentiated cells provide valuable models for studying mechanisms underlying differentiation, maturation, and senescence.
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Danačíková Š, Straka B, Daněk J, Kořínek V, Otáhal J. In vitro human cell culture models in a bench-to-bedside approach to epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:865-890. [PMID: 38637998 PMCID: PMC11145627 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is the most common chronic neurological disease, affecting nearly 1%-2% of the world's population. Current pharmacological treatment and regimen adjustments are aimed at controlling seizures; however, they are ineffective in one-third of the patients. Although neuronal hyperexcitability was previously thought to be mainly due to ion channel alterations, current research has revealed other contributing molecular pathways, including processes involved in cellular signaling, energy metabolism, protein synthesis, axon guidance, inflammation, and others. Some forms of drug-resistant epilepsy are caused by genetic defects that constitute potential targets for precision therapy. Although such approaches are increasingly important, they are still in the early stages of development. This review aims to provide a summary of practical aspects of the employment of in vitro human cell culture models in epilepsy diagnosis, treatment, and research. First, we briefly summarize the genetic testing that may result in the detection of candidate pathogenic variants in genes involved in epilepsy pathogenesis. Consequently, we review existing in vitro cell models, including induced pluripotent stem cells and differentiated neuronal cells, providing their specific properties, validity, and employment in research pipelines. We cover two methodological approaches. The first approach involves the utilization of somatic cells directly obtained from individual patients, while the second approach entails the utilization of characterized cell lines. The models are evaluated in terms of their research and clinical benefits, relevance to the in vivo conditions, legal and ethical aspects, time and cost demands, and available published data. Despite the methodological, temporal, and financial demands of the reviewed models they possess high potential to be used as robust systems in routine testing of pathogenicity of detected variants in the near future and provide a solid experimental background for personalized therapy of genetic epilepsies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, but current treatments fail for many patients. Beyond traditional ion channel alterations, various genetic factors contribute to the disorder's complexity. This review explores how in vitro human cell models, either from patients or from cell lines, can aid in understanding epilepsy's genetic roots and developing personalized therapies. While these models require further investigation, they offer hope for improved diagnosis and treatment of genetic forms of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Šárka Danačíková
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental BiologyInstitute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of ScienceCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
| | - Barbora Straka
- Neurogenetics Laboratory of the Department of Paediatric Neurology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles University and Motol University Hospital, Full Member of the ERN EpiCAREPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jan Daněk
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Vladimír Kořínek
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental BiologyInstitute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
| | - Jakub Otáhal
- Laboratory of Developmental EpileptologyInstitute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of SciencesPragueCzech Republic
- Department of Pathophysiology, Second Faculty of MedicineCharles UniversityPragueCzech Republic
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Forcella P, Ifflander N, Rolando C, Balta EA, Lampada A, Giachino C, Mukhtar T, Bock T, Taylor V. SAFB regulates hippocampal stem cell fate by targeting Drosha to destabilize Nfib mRNA. eLife 2024; 13:e74940. [PMID: 38722021 PMCID: PMC11149935 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) are multipotent and correct fate determination is crucial to guarantee brain formation and homeostasis. How NSCs are instructed to generate neuronal or glial progeny is not well understood. Here, we addressed how murine adult hippocampal NSC fate is regulated and described how scaffold attachment factor B (SAFB) blocks oligodendrocyte production to enable neuron generation. We found that SAFB prevents NSC expression of the transcription factor nuclear factor I/B (NFIB) by binding to sequences in the Nfib mRNA and enhancing Drosha-dependent cleavage of the transcripts. We show that increasing SAFB expression prevents oligodendrocyte production by multipotent adult NSCs, and conditional deletion of Safb increases NFIB expression and oligodendrocyte formation in the adult hippocampus. Our results provide novel insights into a mechanism that controls Drosha functions for selective regulation of NSC fate by modulating the post-transcriptional destabilization of Nfib mRNA in a lineage-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Forcella
- Department of Biomedicine, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | - Chiara Rolando
- Department of Biomedicine, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
- Department of Biosciences, University of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Elli-Anna Balta
- Department of Biomedicine, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | | | | | - Tanzila Mukhtar
- Department of Biomedicine, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Thomas Bock
- Proteomics Core Facility, Biozentrum, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Verdon Taylor
- Department of Biomedicine, University of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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11
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Tan Z, Qin S, Liu H, Huang X, Pu Y, He C, Yuan Y, Su Z. Small molecules reprogram reactive astrocytes into neuronal cells in the injured adult spinal cord. J Adv Res 2024; 59:111-127. [PMID: 37380102 PMCID: PMC11081968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2023.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ectopic expression of transcription factor-mediated in vivo neuronal reprogramming provides promising strategy to compensate for neuronal loss, while its further clinical application may be hindered by delivery and safety concerns. As a novel and attractive alternative, small molecules may offer a non-viral and non-integrative chemical approach for reprogramming cell fates. Recent definitive evidences have shown that small molecules can convert non-neuronal cells into neurons in vitro. However, whether small molecules alone can induce neuronal reprogramming in vivo remains largely unknown. OBJECTIVES To identify chemical compounds that can induce in vivo neuronal reprogramming in the adult spinal cord. METHODS Immunocytochemistry, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR and fate-mapping are performed to analyze the role of small molecules in reprogramming astrocytes into neuronal cells in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS By screening, we identify a chemical cocktail with only two chemical compounds that can directly and rapidly reprogram cultured astrocytes into neuronal cells. Importantly, this chemical cocktail can also successfully trigger neuronal reprogramming in the injured adult spinal cord without introducing exogenous genetic factors. These chemically induced cells showed typical neuronal morphologies and neuron-specific marker expression and could become mature and survive for more than 12 months. Lineage tracing indicated that the chemical compound-converted neuronal cells mainly originated from post-injury spinal reactive astrocytes. CONCLUSION Our proof-of-principle study demonstrates that in vivo glia-to-neuron conversion can be manipulated in a chemical compound-based manner. Albeit our current chemical cocktail has a lowreprogramming efficiency, it will bring in vivo cell fate reprogramming closer to clinical application in brain and spinal cord repair. Future studies should focus on further refining our chemical cocktail and reprogramming approach to boost the reprogramming efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Tan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Shangyao Qin
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xiao Huang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yingyan Pu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Cheng He
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yimin Yuan
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
| | - Zhida Su
- Institute of Neuroscience, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education and the Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.
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Aryal S, Chen S, Burbach KF, Yang Y, Capano LS, Kim WK, Bragg DC, Yoo A. SAK3 confers neuroprotection in the neurodegeneration model of X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4068432. [PMID: 38746402 PMCID: PMC11092809 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4068432/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Background X-linked Dystonia-Parkinsonism(XDP) is an adult-onset neurodegenerative disorder that results in the loss of striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs). XDP is associated with disease-specific mutations in and around the TAF1 gene. This study highlights the utility of directly reprogrammed MSNs from fibroblasts of affected XDP individuals as a platform that captures cellular and epigenetic phenotypes associated with XDP-related neurodegeneration. In addition, the current study demonstrates the neuroprotective effect of SAK3 currently tested in other neurodegenerative diseases. Methods XDP fibroblasts from three independent patients as well as age- and sex-matched control fibroblasts were used to generate MSNs by direct neuronal reprogramming using miRNA-9/9*-124 and thetranscription factors CTIP2 , DLX1 -P2A- DLX2 , and MYT1L . Neuronal death, DNA damage, and mitochondrial health assays were carried out to assess the neurodegenerative state of directly reprogrammed MSNs from XDP patients (XDP-MSNs). RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing were performed to infer changes in the transcriptomic and chromatin landscapesof XDP-MSNs compared to those of control MSNs (Ctrl-MSNs). Results Our results show that XDP patient fibroblasts can be successfully reprogrammed into MSNs and XDP-MSNs display several degenerative phenotypes, including neuronal death, DNA damage, and mitochondrial dysfunction, compared to Ctrl-MSNs reprogrammed from age- and sex-matched control individuals' fibroblasts. In addition, XDP-MSNs showed increased vulnerability to TNFα -toxicity compared to Ctrl-MSNs. To dissect the altered cellular state in XDP-MSNs, we conducted transcriptomic and chromatin accessibility analyses using RNA- and ATAC-seq. Our results indicate that pathways related to neuronal function, calcium signaling, and genes related to other neurodegenerative diseases are commonly altered in XDP-MSNs from multiple patients. Interestingly, we found that SAK3, a T-type calcium channel activator, that may have therapeutic values in other neurodegenerative disorders, protected XDP-MSNs from neuronal death. Notably, we found that SAK3-mediated alleviation of neurodegeneration in XDP-MSNs was accompanied by gene expression changes toward Ctrl-MSNs.
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Umeyama T, Matsuda T, Nakashima K. Lineage Reprogramming: Genetic, Chemical, and Physical Cues for Cell Fate Conversion with a Focus on Neuronal Direct Reprogramming and Pluripotency Reprogramming. Cells 2024; 13:707. [PMID: 38667322 PMCID: PMC11049106 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Although lineage reprogramming from one cell type to another is becoming a breakthrough technology for cell-based therapy, several limitations remain to be overcome, including the low conversion efficiency and subtype specificity. To address these, many studies have been conducted using genetics, chemistry, physics, and cell biology to control transcriptional networks, signaling cascades, and epigenetic modifications during reprogramming. Here, we summarize recent advances in cellular reprogramming and discuss future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taichi Umeyama
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
| | - Taito Matsuda
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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14
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Sorraksa N, Kaokaen P, Kunhorm P, Heebkaew N, Promjantuek W, Noisa P. Rapid induction of dopaminergic neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts by autophagy activation with only 2-small molecules. 3 Biotech 2024; 14:115. [PMID: 38524239 PMCID: PMC10954591 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-024-03957-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The dopaminergic neurons are responsible for the release of dopamine. Several diseases that affect motor function, including Parkinson's disease (PD), are rooted in inadequate dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. The study's goal was to create a quick way to make dopaminergic neuron-like cells from human fibroblasts (hNF) using only two small molecules: hedgehog pathway inhibitor 1 (HPI-1) and neurodazine (NZ). Two small compounds have been shown to induce the transdifferentiation of hNF cells into dopaminergic neuron-like cells. After 10 days of treatment, hNF cells had a big drop in fibroblastic markers (Col1A1, KRT18, and Elastin) and a rise in neuron marker genes (TUJ1, PAX6, and SOX1). Different proteins and factors related to dopaminergic neurons (TH, TUJ1, and dopamine) were significantly increased in cells that behave like dopaminergic neurons after treatment. A study of the autophagy signaling pathway showed that apoptotic genes were downregulated while autophagy genes (LC3, ATG5, and ATG12) were significantly upregulated. Our results showed that treating hNF cells with both HPI-1 and NZ together can quickly change them into mature neurons that have dopaminergic activity. However, the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved in nerve guidance remains unstable and complex. Ongoing research in this field must continue to advance for a more in-depth understanding. This is crucial for the safe and highly effective clinical application of the knowledge gained to promote neural regeneration in different neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natchadaporn Sorraksa
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Palakorn Kaokaen
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Phongsakorn Kunhorm
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Nudjanad Heebkaew
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Wilasinee Promjantuek
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
| | - Parinya Noisa
- Laboratory of Cell-Based Assays and Innovations, School of Biotechnology, Institute of Agricultural Technology, Suranaree University of Technology, 111 University Avenue, Nakhon Ratchasima, 30000 Thailand
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15
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Harley J, Santosa MM, Ng CY, Grinchuk OV, Hor JH, Liang Y, Lim VJ, Tee WW, Ong DST, Ng SY. Telomere shortening induces aging-associated phenotypes in hiPSC-derived neurons and astrocytes. Biogerontology 2024; 25:341-360. [PMID: 37987889 PMCID: PMC10998800 DOI: 10.1007/s10522-023-10076-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Telomere shortening is a well-established hallmark of cellular aging. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) plays a crucial role in maintaining the length of telomeres, which are specialised protective caps at the end of chromosomes. The lack of in vitro aging models, particularly for the central nervous system (CNS), has impeded progress in understanding aging and age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we aimed to explore the possibility of inducing aging-associated features in cell types of the CNS using hiPSC (human induced pluripotent stem cell) technology. To achieve this, we utilised CRISPR/Cas9 to generate hiPSCs with a loss of telomerase function and shortened telomeres. Through directed differentiation, we generated motor neurons and astrocytes to investigate whether telomere shortening could lead to age-associated phenotypes. Our findings revealed that shortened telomeres induced age-associated characteristics in both motor neurons and astrocytes including increased cellular senescence, heightened inflammation, and elevated DNA damage. We also observed cell-type specific age-related morphology changes. Additionally, our study highlighted the fundamental role of TERT and telomere shortening in neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation and neuronal differentiation. This study serves as a proof of concept that telomere shortening can effectively induce aging-associated phenotypes, thereby providing a valuable tool to investigate age-related decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmine Harley
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Munirah Mohamad Santosa
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Chong Yi Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Oleg V Grinchuk
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Jin-Hui Hor
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Yajing Liang
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Valerie Jingwen Lim
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
| | - Wee Wei Tee
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Derrick Sek Tong Ong
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore
| | - Shi-Yan Ng
- Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR Research Entities, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117593, Singapore.
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16
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Oh YM, Lee SW. Patient-derived neuron model: Capturing age-dependent adult-onset degenerative pathology in Huntington's disease. Mol Cells 2024; 47:100046. [PMID: 38492889 PMCID: PMC11021366 DOI: 10.1016/j.mocell.2024.100046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs play a crucial role in directly reprogramming (converting) human fibroblasts into neurons. Specifically, miR-9/9* and miR-124 (miR-9/9*-124) display neurogenic and cell fate-switching activities when ectopically expressed in human fibroblasts by erasing fibroblast identity and inducing a pan-neuronal state. These converted neurons maintain the biological age of the starting fibroblasts and thus provide a human neuron-based platform to study cellular properties in aged neurons and model adult-onset neurodegenerative disorders using patient-derived cells. Furthermore, the expression of striatal-enriched transcription factors in conjunction with miR-9/9*-124 guides the identity of medium spiny neurons (MSNs), the primary targets in Huntington's disease (HD). Converted MSNs from HD patient-derived fibroblasts (HD-MSNs) can replicate HD-related phenotypes including neurodegeneration associated with age-related declines in critical cellular functions such as autophagy. Here, we review the role of microRNAs in the direct conversion of patient-derived fibroblasts into MSNs and the practical application of converted HD-MSNs as a model for studying adult-onset neuropathology in HD. We provide valuable insights into age-related, cell-intrinsic changes contributing to neurodegeneration in HD-MSNs. Ultimately, we address a comprehensive understanding of the complex molecular landscape underlying HD pathology, offering potential avenues for therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Mi Oh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA 31901, USA
| | - Seong Won Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA 31901, USA
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17
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Lim B, Domsch K, Mall M, Lohmann I. Canalizing cell fate by transcriptional repression. Mol Syst Biol 2024; 20:144-161. [PMID: 38302581 PMCID: PMC10912439 DOI: 10.1038/s44320-024-00014-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Precision in the establishment and maintenance of cellular identities is crucial for the development of multicellular organisms and requires tight regulation of gene expression. While extensive research has focused on understanding cell type-specific gene activation, the complex mechanisms underlying the transcriptional repression of alternative fates are not fully understood. Here, we provide an overview of the repressive mechanisms involved in cell fate regulation. We discuss the molecular machinery responsible for suppressing alternative fates and highlight the crucial role of sequence-specific transcription factors (TFs) in this process. Depletion of these TFs can result in unwanted gene expression and increased cellular plasticity. We suggest that these TFs recruit cell type-specific repressive complexes to their cis-regulatory elements, enabling them to modulate chromatin accessibility in a context-dependent manner. This modulation effectively suppresses master regulators of alternative fate programs and their downstream targets. The modularity and dynamic behavior of these repressive complexes enables a limited number of repressors to canalize and maintain major and minor cell fate decisions at different stages of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce Lim
- Cell Fate Engineering and Disease Modeling Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- HITBR Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research gGmbH, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Katrin Domsch
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Department of Developmental Biology and Cell Networks - Cluster of Excellence, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Moritz Mall
- Cell Fate Engineering and Disease Modeling Group, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- HITBR Hector Institute for Translational Brain Research gGmbH, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68159, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - Ingrid Lohmann
- Heidelberg University, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS) Heidelberg, Department of Developmental Biology and Cell Networks - Cluster of Excellence, Heidelberg, Germany.
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18
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de Luzy IR, Lee MK, Mobley WC, Studer L. Lessons from inducible pluripotent stem cell models on neuronal senescence in aging and neurodegeneration. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:309-318. [PMID: 38429379 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-024-00586-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Age remains the central risk factor for many neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Although the mechanisms of aging are complex, the age-related accumulation of senescent cells in neurodegeneration is well documented and their clearance can alleviate disease-related features in preclinical models. Senescence-like characteristics are observed in both neuronal and glial lineages, but their relative contribution to aging and neurodegeneration remains unclear. Human pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons provide an experimental model system to induce neuronal senescence. However, the extensive heterogeneity in the profile of senescent neurons and the methods to assess senescence remain major challenges. Here, we review the evidence of cellular senescence in neuronal aging and disease, discuss human pluripotent stem cell-based model systems used to investigate neuronal senescence and propose a panel of cellular and molecular hallmarks to characterize senescent neurons. Understanding the role of neuronal senescence may yield novel therapeutic opportunities in neurodegenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabelle R de Luzy
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
| | - Michael K Lee
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Institute for Translational Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - William C Mobley
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lorenz Studer
- The Center for Stem Cell Biology and Developmental Biology Program, Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research, New York, NY, USA.
- Aligning Science Across Parkinson's (ASAP) Collaborative Research Network, Chevy Chase, MD, USA.
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19
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Sichani AS, Khoddam S, Shakeri S, Tavakkoli Z, Jafroodi AR, Dabbaghipour R, Sisakht M, Fallahi J. Partial Reprogramming as a Method for Regenerating Neural Tissues in Aged Organisms. Cell Reprogram 2024; 26:10-23. [PMID: 38381402 DOI: 10.1089/cell.2023.0123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Aging causes numerous age-related diseases, leading the human species to death. Nevertheless, rejuvenating strategies based on cell epigenetic modifications are a possible approach to counteract disease progression while getting old. Cell reprogramming of adult somatic cells toward pluripotency ought to be a promising tool for age-related diseases. However, researchers do not have control over this process as cells lose their fate, and cause potential cancerous cells or unexpected cell phenotypes. Direct and partial reprogramming were introduced in recent years with distinctive applications. Although direct reprogramming makes cells lose their identity, it has various applications in regeneration medicine. Temporary and regulated in vivo overexpression of Yamanaka factors has been shown in several experimental contexts to be achievable and is used to rejuvenate mice models. This regeneration can be accomplished by altering the epigenetic adult cell signature to the signature of a younger cell. The greatest advantage of partial reprogramming is that this method does not allow cells to lose their identity when they are resetting their epigenetic clock. It is a regimen of short-term Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc expression in vivo that prevents full reprogramming to the pluripotent state and avoids both tumorigenesis and the presence of unwanted undifferentiated cells. We know that many neurological age-related diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, dementia, and Parkinson's disease, are the main cause of death in the last decades of life. Therefore, scientists have a special tendency regarding neuroregeneration methods to increase human life expectancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Saber Sichani
- Department of Biology, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Somayeh Khoddam
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Shayan Shakeri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Zahra Tavakkoli
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Arad Ranji Jafroodi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Reza Dabbaghipour
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Sisakht
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Jafar Fallahi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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20
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Liu J, Guo Y, Zhang Y, Zhao X, Fu R, Hua S, Xu S. Astrocytes in ischemic stroke: Crosstalk in central nervous system and therapeutic potential. Neuropathology 2024; 44:3-20. [PMID: 37345225 DOI: 10.1111/neup.12928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), a large group of glial cells called astrocytes play important roles in both physiological and disease conditions. Astrocytes participate in the formation of neurovascular units and interact closely with other cells of the CNS, such as microglia and neurons. Stroke is a global disease with high mortality and disability rate, most of which are ischemic stroke. Significant strides in understanding astrocytes have been made over the past few decades. Astrocytes respond strongly to ischemic stroke through a process known as activation or reactivity. Given the important role played by reactive astrocytes (RAs) in different spatial and temporal aspects of ischemic stroke, there is a growing interest in the potential therapeutic role of astrocytes. Currently, interventions targeting astrocytes, such as mediating astrocyte polarization, reducing edema, regulating glial scar formation, and reprogramming astrocytes, have been proven in modulating the progression of ischemic stroke. The aforementioned potential interventions on astrocytes and the crosstalk between astrocytes and other cells of the CNS will be summarized in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jueling Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuying Guo
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
| | - Yunsha Zhang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhao
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Rong Fu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shengyu Hua
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shixin Xu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Translational Research of TCM Prescription and Syndrome, Tianjin, China
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21
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Burbach KF, Yoo AS. Notch Inhibition Enhances Morphological Reprogramming of microRNA-Induced Human Neurons. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.12.575384. [PMID: 38260259 PMCID: PMC10802628 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.12.575384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Although the importance of Notch signaling in brain development is well-known, its specific contribution to cellular reprogramming remains less defined. Here, we use microRNA-induced neurons that are directly reprogrammed from human fibroblasts to determine how Notch signaling contributes to neuronal identity. We found that inhibiting Notch signaling led to an increase in neurite extension, while activating Notch signaling had the opposite effect. Surprisingly, Notch inhibition during the first week of reprogramming was both necessary and sufficient to enhance neurite outgrowth at a later timepoint. This timeframe is when the reprogramming miRNAs, miR-9/9* and miR-124, primarily induce a post-mitotic state and erase fibroblast identity. Accordingly, transcriptomic analysis showed that the effect of Notch inhibition was likely due to improvements in fibroblast fate erasure and silencing of anti-neuronal genes. To this effect, we identify MYLIP , whose downregulation in response to Notch inhibition significantly promoted neurite outgrowth. Moreover, Notch inhibition resulted in cells with neuronal transcriptome signature defined by expressing long genes at a faster rate than the control, demonstrating the effect of accelerated fate erasure on neuronal fate acquisition. Our results demonstrate the critical role of Notch signaling in mediating morphological changes in miRNA-based neuronal reprogramming of human adult fibroblasts.
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22
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Enokido T, Horie M, Yoshino S, Suzuki HI, Matsuki R, Brunnström H, Micke P, Nagase T, Saito A, Miyashita N. Distinct microRNA Signature and Suppression of ZFP36L1 Define ASCL1-Positive Lung Adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer Res 2024; 22:29-40. [PMID: 37801008 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-23-0229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Achaete-scute family bHLH transcription factor 1 (ASCL1) is a master transcription factor involved in neuroendocrine differentiation. ASCL1 is expressed in approximately 10% of lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) and exerts tumor-promoting effects. Here, we explored miRNA profiles in ASCL1-positive LUADs and identified several miRNAs closely associated with ASCL1 expression, including miR-375, miR-95-3p/miR-95-5p, miR-124-3p, and members of the miR-17∼92 family. Similar to small cell lung cancer, Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator (YAP1), a representative miR-375 target gene, was suppressed in ASCL1-positive LUADs. ASCL1 knockdown followed by miRNA profiling in a cell culture model further revealed that ASCL1 positively regulates miR-124-3p and members of the miR-17∼92 family. Integrative transcriptomic analyses identified ZFP36 ring finger protein like 1 (ZFP36L1) as a target gene of miR-124-3p, and IHC studies demonstrated that ASCL1-positive LUADs are associated with low ZFP36L1 protein levels. Cell culture studies showed that ectopic ZFP36L1 expression inhibits cell proliferation, survival, and cell-cycle progression. Moreover, ZFP36L1 negatively regulated several genes including E2F transcription factor 1 (E2F1) and snail family transcriptional repressor 1 (SNAI1). In conclusion, our study revealed that suppression of ZFP36L1 via ASCL1-regulated miR-124-3p could modulate gene expression, providing evidence that ASCL1-mediated regulation of miRNAs shapes molecular features of ASCL1-positive LUADs. IMPLICATIONS Our study revealed unique miRNA profiles of ASCL1-positive LUADs and identified ASCL1-regulated miRNAs with functional relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayoshi Enokido
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masafumi Horie
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Seiko Yoshino
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi I Suzuki
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Center for Neurological Diseases and Cancer, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
- Center for One Medicine Innovative Translational Research (COMIT), Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Rei Matsuki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hans Brunnström
- Lund University, Laboratory Medicine Region Skåne, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Pathology, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrick Micke
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Takahide Nagase
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akira Saito
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoya Miyashita
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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23
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Lee SW, Oh YM, Victor MB, Yang Y, Chen S, Strunilin I, Dahiya S, Dolle RE, Pak SC, Silverman GA, Perlmutter DH, Yoo AS. Longitudinal modeling of human neuronal aging reveals the contribution of the RCAN1-TFEB pathway to Huntington's disease neurodegeneration. NATURE AGING 2024; 4:95-109. [PMID: 38066314 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-023-00538-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a common risk factor in neurodegenerative disorders. Investigating neuronal aging in an isogenic background stands to facilitate analysis of the interplay between neuronal aging and neurodegeneration. Here we perform direct neuronal reprogramming of longitudinally collected human fibroblasts to reveal genetic pathways altered at different ages. Comparative transcriptome analysis of longitudinally aged striatal medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in Huntington's disease identified pathways involving RCAN1, a negative regulator of calcineurin. Notably, RCAN1 protein increased with age in reprogrammed MSNs as well as in human postmortem striatum and RCAN1 knockdown rescued patient-derived MSNs of Huntington's disease from degeneration. RCAN1 knockdown enhanced chromatin accessibility of genes involved in longevity and autophagy, mediated through enhanced calcineurin activity, leading to TFEB's nuclear localization by dephosphorylation. Furthermore, G2-115, an analog of glibenclamide with autophagy-enhancing activities, reduced the RCAN1-calcineurin interaction, phenocopying the effect of RCAN1 knockdown. Our results demonstrate that targeting RCAN1 genetically or pharmacologically can increase neuronal resilience in Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong Won Lee
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA, USA
| | - Young Mi Oh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Columbus, GA, USA
| | - Matheus B Victor
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shawei Chen
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ilya Strunilin
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sonika Dahiya
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Roland E Dolle
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stephen C Pak
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gary A Silverman
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David H Perlmutter
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Andrew S Yoo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Center of Regenerative Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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24
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Cornejo KG, Venegas A, Sono MH, Door M, Gutierrez-Ruiz B, Karabedian LB, Nandi SG, Dykhuizen EC, Saha RN. Activity-assembled nBAF complex mediates rapid immediate early gene transcription by regulating RNA Polymerase II productive elongation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.30.573688. [PMID: 38234780 PMCID: PMC10793463 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.30.573688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Signal-dependent RNA Polymerase II (Pol2) productive elongation is an integral component of gene transcription, including those of immediate early genes (IEGs) induced by neuronal activity. However, it remains unclear how productively elongating Pol2 overcome nucleosomal barriers. Using RNAi, three degraders, and several small molecule inhibitors, we show that the mammalian SWI/SNF complex of neurons (neuronal BAF, or nBAF) is required for activity-induced transcription of neuronal IEGs, including Arc . The nBAF complex facilitates promoter-proximal Pol2 pausing, signal-dependent Pol2 recruitment (loading), and importantly, mediates productive elongation in the gene body via interaction with the elongation complex and elongation-competent Pol2. Mechanistically, Pol2 elongation is mediated by activity-induced nBAF assembly (especially, ARID1A recruitment) and its ATPase activity. Together, our data demonstrate that the nBAF complex regulates several aspects of Pol2 transcription and reveal mechanisms underlying activity-induced Pol2 elongation. These findings may offer insights into human maladies etiologically associated with mutational interdiction of BAF functions.
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25
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Pai C, Sengupta R, Heuckeroth RO. Sequencing Reveals miRNAs Enriched in the Developing Mouse Enteric Nervous System. Noncoding RNA 2023; 10:1. [PMID: 38250801 PMCID: PMC10801555 DOI: 10.3390/ncrna10010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is an essential network of neurons and glia in the bowel wall. Defects in ENS development can result in Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), a life-threatening condition characterized by severe constipation, abdominal distention, bilious vomiting, and failure to thrive. A growing body of literature connects HSCR to alterations in miRNA expression, but there are limited data on the normal miRNA landscape in the developing ENS. We sequenced small RNAs (smRNA-seq) and messenger RNAs (mRNA-seq) from ENS precursor cells of mid-gestation Ednrb-EGFP mice and compared them to aggregated RNA from all other cells in the developing bowel. Our smRNA-seq results identified 73 miRNAs that were significantly enriched and highly expressed in the developing ENS, with miR-9, miR-27b, miR-124, miR-137, and miR-488 as our top 5 miRNAs that are conserved in humans. However, contrary to prior reports, our follow-up analyses of miR-137 showed that loss of Mir137 in Nestin-cre, Wnt1-cre, Sox10-cre, or Baf53b-cre lineage cells had no effect on mouse survival or ENS development. Our data provide important context for future studies of miRNAs in HSCR and other ENS diseases and highlight open questions about facility-specific factors in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Pai
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rajarshi Sengupta
- American Association for Cancer Research, Philadelphia, PA 19106, USA;
| | - Robert O. Heuckeroth
- The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, The Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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26
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Ni P, Fan L, Jiang Y, Zhou C, Chung S. From cells to insights: the power of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cortical interneurons in psychiatric disorder modeling. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1336085. [PMID: 38188058 PMCID: PMC10768008 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1336085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia (SCZ) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD), represent a global health challenge with their poorly understood and complex etiologies. Cortical interneurons (cINs) are the primary inhibitory neurons in the cortex and their subtypes, especially those that are generated from the medial ganglionic emission (MGE) region, have been shown to play an important role in the pathogenesis of these psychiatric disorders. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technologies provide exciting opportunities to model and study these disorders using human iPSC-derived cINs. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of various methods employed to generate MGE-type cINs from human iPSCs, which are mainly categorized into induction by signaling molecules vs. direct genetic manipulation. We discuss their advantages, limitations, and potential applications in psychiatric disorder modeling to aid researchers in choosing the appropriate methods based on their research goals. We also provide examples of how these methods have been applied to study the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. In addition, we discuss ongoing challenges and future directions in the field. Overall, iPSC-derived cINs provide a powerful tool to model the developmental pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders, thus aiding in uncovering disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets. This review article will provide valuable resources for researchers seeking to navigate the complexities of cIN generation methods and their applications in the study of psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyan Ni
- Department of Neurobiology, Affiliated Mental Health Center and Hangzhou Seventh People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, State Key Laboratory of Brain-Machine Intelligence, MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-Machine Integration, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
- NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingyi Fan
- The Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Youhui Jiang
- The Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuqing Zhou
- The Mental Health Center and Psychiatric Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Sangmi Chung
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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Schaukowitch K, Janas JA, Wernig M. Insights and applications of direct neuronal reprogramming. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102128. [PMID: 37862835 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Direct neuronal reprogramming converts somatic cells of a defined lineage into induced neuronal cells without going through a pluripotent intermediate. This approach not only provides access to the otherwise largely inaccessible cells of the brain for neuronal disease modeling, but also holds great promise for ultimately enabling neuronal cell replacement without the use of transplantation. To improve efficiency and specificity of direct neuronal reprogramming, much of the current efforts aim to understand the mechanisms that safeguard cell identities and how the reprogramming cells overcome the barriers resisting fate changes. Here, we review recent discoveries into the mechanisms by which the donor cell program is silenced, and new cell identities are established. We also discuss advancements that have been made toward fine-tuning the output of these reprogramming systems to generate specific types of neuronal cells. Finally, we highlight the benefit of using direct neuronal reprogramming to study age-related disorders and the potential of in vivo direct reprogramming in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie Schaukowitch
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Justyna A Janas
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Marius Wernig
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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28
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Yang ZZ, Parchem RJ. The role of noncoding RNAs in pancreatic birth defects. Birth Defects Res 2023; 115:1785-1808. [PMID: 37066622 PMCID: PMC10579456 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Congenital defects in the pancreas can cause severe health issues such as pancreatic cancer and diabetes which require lifelong treatment. Regenerating healthy pancreatic cells to replace malfunctioning cells has been considered a promising cure for pancreatic diseases including birth defects. However, such therapies are currently unavailable in the clinic. The developmental gene regulatory network underlying pancreatic development must be reactivated for in vivo regeneration and recapitulated in vitro for cell replacement therapy. Thus, understanding the mechanisms driving pancreatic development will pave the way for regenerative therapies. Pancreatic progenitor cells are the precursors of all pancreatic cells which use epigenetic changes to control gene expression during differentiation to generate all of the distinct pancreatic cell types. Epigenetic changes involving DNA methylation and histone modifications can be controlled by noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs). Indeed, increasing evidence suggests that ncRNAs are indispensable for proper organogenesis. Here, we summarize recent insight into the role of ncRNAs in the epigenetic regulation of pancreatic development. We further discuss how disruptions in ncRNA biogenesis and expression lead to developmental defects and diseases. This review summarizes in vivo data from animal models and in vitro studies using stem cell differentiation as a model for pancreatic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyue Zoey Yang
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ronald J Parchem
- Development, Disease Models & Therapeutics Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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29
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Zhu B, Fisher E, Li L, Zhong P, Yan Z, Feng J. PTBP2 attenuation facilitates fibroblast to neuron conversion by promoting alternative splicing of neuronal genes. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:2268-2282. [PMID: 37832540 PMCID: PMC10679656 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The direct conversion of human skin fibroblasts to neurons has a low efficiency and unclear mechanism. Here, we show that the knockdown of PTBP2 significantly enhanced the transdifferentiation induced by ASCL1, MIR9/9∗-124, and p53 shRNA (AMp) to generate mostly GABAergic neurons. Longitudinal RNA sequencing analyses identified the continuous induction of many RNA splicing regulators. Among these, the knockdown of RBFOX3 (NeuN), significantly abrogated the transdifferentiation. Overexpression of RBFOX3 significantly enhanced the conversion induced by AMp; the enhancement was occluded by PTBP2 knockdown. We found that PTBP2 attenuation significantly favored neuron-specific alternative splicing (AS) of many genes involved in synaptic transmission, signal transduction, and axon formation. RBFOX3 knockdown significantly reversed the effect, while RBFOX3 overexpression occluded the enhancement. The study reveals the critical role of neuron-specific AS in the direct conversion of human skin fibroblasts to neurons by showing that PTBP2 attenuation enhances this mechanism in concert with RBFOX3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binglin Zhu
- Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Emily Fisher
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Ping Zhong
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Zhen Yan
- Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Jian Feng
- Veterans Affairs Western New York Healthcare System, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA; Department of Physiology and Biophysics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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30
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Le N, Vu TD, Palazzo I, Pulya R, Kim Y, Blackshaw S, Hoang T. Robust reprogramming of glia into neurons by inhibition of Notch signaling and NFI factors in adult mammalian retina. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.29.560483. [PMID: 37961663 PMCID: PMC10634926 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.29.560483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Generation of neurons through direct reprogramming has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for neurodegenerative diseases. Despite successful applications in vitro , in vivo implementation has been hampered by low efficiency. In this study, we present a highly efficient strategy for reprogramming retinal glial cells into neurons by simultaneously inhibiting key negative regulators. By suppressing Notch signaling through the removal of its central mediator Rbpj, we induced mature Müller glial cells to reprogram into bipolar and amacrine neurons in uninjured adult mouse retinas, and observed that this effect was further enhanced by retinal injury. We found that specific loss of function of Notch1 and Notch2 receptors in Müller glia mimicked the effect of Rbpj deletion on Müller glia-derived neurogenesis. Integrated analysis of multiome (scRNA- and scATAC-seq) and CUT&Tag data revealed that Rbpj directly activates Notch effector genes and genes specific to mature Müller glia while also indirectly represses the expression of neurogenic bHLH factors. Furthermore, we found that combined loss of function of Rbpj and Nfia/b/x resulted in a robust conversion of nearly all Müller glia to neurons. Finally, we demonstrated that inducing Müller glial proliferation by AAV (adeno-associated virus)-mediated overexpression of dominant- active Yap supports efficient levels of Müller glia-derived neurogenesis in both Rbpj - and Nfia/b/x/Rbpj - deficient Müller glia. These findings demonstrate that, much like in zebrafish, Notch signaling actively represses neurogenic competence in mammalian Müller glia, and suggest that inhibition of Notch signaling and Nfia/b/x in combination with overexpression of activated Yap could serve as an effective component of regenerative therapies for degenerative retinal diseases.
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31
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Kaya Y, Korulu S, Tunoglu ENY, Yildiz A. A potential posttranscriptional regulator for p60-katanin: miR-124-3p. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2023; 80:437-447. [PMID: 37439368 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
Katanin is a microtubule severing protein belonging to the ATPase family and consists of two subunits; p60-katanin synthesized by the KATNA1 gene and p80-katanin synthesized by the KATNB1 gene. Microtubule severing is one of the mechanisms that allow the reorganization of microtubules depending on cellular needs. While this reorganization of microtubules is associated with mitosis in dividing cells, it primarily takes part in the formation of structures such as axons and dendrites in nondividing mature neurons. Therefore, it is extremely important in neuronal branching. p60 and p80 katanin subunits coexist in the cell. While p60-katanin is responsible for cutting microtubules with its ATPase function, p80-katanin is responsible for the regulation of p60-katanin and its localization in the centrosome. Although katanin has vital functions in the cell, there are no known posttranscriptional regulators of it. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a group of small noncoding ribonucleotides that have been found to have important roles in regulating gene expression posttranscriptionally. Despite being important in gene regulation, so far no microRNA has been experimentally associated with katanin regulation. In this study, the effects of miR-124-3p, which we detected as a result of bioinformatics analysis to have the potential to bind to the p60 katanin mRNA, were investigated. For this aim, in this study, SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were transfected with pre-miR-124-3p mimics and pre-mir miRNA precursor as a negative control, and the effect of this transfection on p60-katanin expression was measured at both RNA and protein levels by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blotting, respectively. The results of this study showed for the first time that miR-124-3p, which was predicted to bind p60-katanin mRNA by bioinformatic analysis, may regulate the expression of the KATNA1 gene. The data obtained within the scope of this study will make important contributions in order to better understand the regulation of the expression of p60-katanin which as well will have an incontrovertible impact on the understanding of the importance of cytoskeletal reorganization in both mitotic and postmitotic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yesim Kaya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
| | - Sirin Korulu
- Institute of Natural and Health Sciences, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
| | | | - Aysegul Yildiz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Science, Mugla Sitki Kocman University, Mugla, Turkey
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32
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Zhang Y, Li X, Xing J, Zhou J, Li H. Chemical Transdifferentiation of Somatic Cells: Unleashing the Power of Small Molecules. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2913. [PMID: 38001913 PMCID: PMC10669320 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11112913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemical transdifferentiation is a technique that utilizes small molecules to directly convert one cell type into another without passing through an intermediate stem cell state. This technique offers several advantages over other methods of cell reprogramming, such as simplicity, standardization, versatility, no ethical and safety concern and patient-specific therapies. Chemical transdifferentiation has been successfully applied to various cell types across different tissues and organs, and its potential applications are rapidly expanding as scientists continue to explore new combinations of small molecules and refine the mechanisms driving cell fate conversion. These applications have opened up new possibilities for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, drug discovery and tissue engineering. However, there are still challenges and limitations that need to be overcome before chemical transdifferentiation can be translated into clinical practice. These include low efficiency and reproducibility, incomplete understanding of the molecular mechanisms, long-term stability and functionality of the transdifferentiated cells, cell-type specificity and scalability. In this review, we compared the commonly used methods for cell transdifferentiation in recent years and discussed the current progress and future perspective of the chemical transdifferentiation of somatic cells and its potential impact on biomedicine. We believe that with ongoing research and technological advancements, the future holds tremendous promise for harnessing the power of small molecules to shape the cellular landscape and revolutionize the field of biomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Jianyu Xing
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150006, China;
| | - Jinsong Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710061, China;
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33
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Gourisankar S, Wenderski W, Paulo JA, Kim SH, Roepke K, Ellis C, Gygi SP, Crabtree GR. Synaptic Activity Causes Minute-scale Changes in BAF Complex Composition and Function. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.13.562244. [PMID: 37873481 PMCID: PMC10592824 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.13.562244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Genes encoding subunits of the SWI/SNF or BAF ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complex are among the most enriched for deleterious de novo mutations in intellectual disabilities and autism spectrum disorder, but the causative molecular pathways are not fully known 1,2 . Synaptic activity in neurons is critical for learning and memory and proper neural development 3 . Neural activity prompts calcium influx and transcription within minutes, facilitated in the nucleus by various transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin modifiers 4 . While BAF is required for activity-dependent developmental processes such as dendritic outgrowth 5-7 , the immediate molecular consequences of neural activity on BAF complexes and their functions are unknown. Here we mapped minute-scale biochemical consequences of neural activity, modeled by membrane depolarization of embryonic mouse primary cortical neurons, on BAF complexes. We used acute chemical perturbations of BAF ATPase activity and kinase signaling to define the activity-dependent effects on BAF complexes and activity-dependent BAF functions. Our studies found that BAF complexes change in subunit composition and are selectively phosphorylated within 10 minutes of depolarization. Increased levels of the core PBAF subunit Baf200/ Arid2 , uniquely containing an RFX-like DNA-binding domain, are concurrent with ATPase-dependent opening of chromatin at RFX/X-box motifs. Changes in BAF composition and phosphorylation lead to the regulation of chromatin accessibility for critical neurogenesis TFs. These biochemical effects are a convergent phenomenon downstream of multiple growth factor signaling pathways in mouse neurons and fibroblasts suggesting that BAF integrates signaling information from the membrane. In support of such a membrane-to-nucleus signaling cascade, we also identified a BAF-interacting kinase, Dclk2, whose inhibition attenuates BAF phosphorylation selectively. Our findings support a direct role of BAF complexes in responding to synaptic activity to regulate TF binding and transcription.
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Zhang C, Saurat N, Cornacchia D, Chung SY, Sikder T, Minotti A, Studer L, Betel D. Identifying novel age-modulating compounds and quantifying cellular aging using novel computational framework for evaluating transcriptional age. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.03.547539. [PMID: 37461485 PMCID: PMC10349953 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.03.547539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
The differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) provides access to most cell types and tissues. However, hPSC-derived lineages capture a fetal-stage of development and methods to accelerate progression to an aged identity are limited. Understanding the factors driving cellular age and rejuvenation is also essential for efforts aimed at extending human life and health span. A prerequisite for such studies is the development of methods to score cellular age and simple readouts to assess the relative impact of various age modifying strategies. Here we established a transcriptional score (RNAge) in young versus old primary fibroblasts, frontal cortex and substantia nigra tissue. We validated the score in independent RNA-seq datasets and demonstrated a strong cell and tissue specificity. In fibroblasts we observed a reset of RNAge during iPSC reprogramming while direct reprogramming of aged fibroblasts to induced neurons (iN) resulted in the maintenance of both a neuronal and a fibroblast aging signature. Increased RNAge in hPSC-derived neurons was confirmed for several age-inducing strategies such as SATB1 loss, progerin expression or chemical induction of senescence (SLO). Using RNAge as a probe set, we next performed an in-silico screen using the LINCS L1000 dataset. We identified and validated several novel age-inducing and rejuvenating compounds, and we observed that RNAage captures age-related changes associated with distinct cellular hallmarks of age. Our study presents a simple tool to score age manipulations and identifies compounds that greatly expand the toolset of age-modifying strategies in hPSC derived lineages.
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35
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Álvarez-Córdoba M, Talaverón-Rey M, Povea-Cabello S, Cilleros-Holgado P, Gómez-Fernández D, Piñero-Pérez R, Reche-López D, Munuera-Cabeza M, Suárez-Carrillo A, Romero-González A, Romero-Domínguez JM, López-Cabrera A, Armengol JÁ, Sánchez-Alcázar JA. Patient-Derived Cellular Models for Polytarget Precision Medicine in Pantothenate Kinase-Associated Neurodegeneration. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1359. [PMID: 37895830 PMCID: PMC10609847 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The term neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation (NBIA) brings together a broad set of progressive and disabling neurological genetic disorders in which iron is deposited preferentially in certain areas of the brain. Among NBIA disorders, the most frequent subtype is pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN) caused by pathologic variants in the PANK2 gene codifying the enzyme pantothenate kinase 2 (PANK2). To date, there are no effective treatments to stop the progression of these diseases. This review discusses the utility of patient-derived cell models as a valuable tool for the identification of pharmacological or natural compounds for implementing polytarget precision medicine in PKAN. Recently, several studies have described that PKAN patient-derived fibroblasts present the main pathological features associated with the disease including intracellular iron overload. Interestingly, treatment of mutant cell cultures with various supplements such as pantothenate, pantethine, vitamin E, omega 3, α-lipoic acid L-carnitine or thiamine, improved all pathophysiological alterations in PKAN fibroblasts with residual expression of the PANK2 enzyme. The information provided by pharmacological screenings in patient-derived cellular models can help optimize therapeutic strategies in individual PKAN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Álvarez-Córdoba
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Marta Talaverón-Rey
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Suleva Povea-Cabello
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Paula Cilleros-Holgado
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - David Gómez-Fernández
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Rocío Piñero-Pérez
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Diana Reche-López
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Manuel Munuera-Cabeza
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Alejandra Suárez-Carrillo
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Ana Romero-González
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Jose Manuel Romero-Domínguez
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - Alejandra López-Cabrera
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
| | - José Ángel Armengol
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Cellular Biology, Pablo de Olavide University, 41013 Seville, Spain;
| | - José Antonio Sánchez-Alcázar
- Andalusian Centre for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC-Pablo de Olavide University), 41013 Seville, Spain; (M.Á.-C.); (M.T.-R.); (S.P.-C.); (P.C.-H.); (D.G.-F.); (R.P.-P.); (D.R.-L.); (M.M.-C.); (A.S.-C.); (A.R.-G.); (J.M.R.-D.); (A.L.-C.)
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Yang SG, Wang XW, Li CP, Huang T, Li Q, Zhao LR, Qian C, Saijilafu, Liu CM, Zhou FQ. X chromosome encoded histone demethylase UTX regulates mammalian axon regeneration via microRNA-124. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.12.557354. [PMID: 37745499 PMCID: PMC10515817 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.12.557354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
Neurons in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) gradually lose their intrinsic regeneration capacity during maturation mainly because of altered transcription profile. Recent studies have made great progress by identifying genes that can be manipulated to enhance CNS regeneration. However, as a complex process involving many genes and signaling networks, it is of great importance to deciphering the underlying neuronal chromatin and transcriptomic landscape coordinating CNS regeneration. Here we identify UTX, an X-chromosome associated gene encoding a histone demethylase, as a novel regulator of mammalian neural regeneration. We demonstrate that UTX acts as a repressor of spontaneous axon regeneration in the peripheral nerve system (PNS). In the CNS, either knocking out or pharmacological inhibiting UTX in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) leads to significantly enhanced neuronal survival and optic nerve regeneration. RNA-seq profiling revealed that deleting UTX switches the RGC transcriptomics into a developmental-like state. Moreover, microRNA-124, one of the most abundant microRNAs in mature neurons, is identified as a downstream target of UTX and blocking endogenous microRNA124-5p results in robust optic nerve regeneration. These findings revealed a novel histone modification-microRNA epigenetic signaling network orchestrating transcriptomic landscape supporting CNS neural regeneration.
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Kurahashi T, Nishime C, Nishinaka E, Komaki Y, Seki F, Urano K, Harada Y, Yoshikawa T, Dai P. Transplantation of Chemical Compound-Induced Cells from Human Fibroblasts Improves Locomotor Recovery in a Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13853. [PMID: 37762156 PMCID: PMC10530737 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of regenerative medicine using cell therapy is eagerly awaited for diseases such as spinal cord injury (SCI), for which there has been no radical cure. We previously reported the direct conversion of human fibroblasts into neuronal-like cells using only chemical compounds; however, it is unclear whether chemical compound-induced neuronal-like (CiN) cells are clinically functional. In this study, we partially modified the method of inducing CiN cells (termed immature CiN cells) and examined their therapeutic efficacy, in a rat model of SCI, to investigate whether immature CiN cells are promising for clinical applications. Motor function recovery, after SCI, was assessed using the Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) test, as well as the CatWalk analysis. We found that locomotor recovery, after SCI in the immature CiN cell-transplanted group, was partially improved compared to that in the control group. Consistent with these results, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathological analyses revealed that nerve recovery or preservation improved in the immature CiN cell-transplanted group. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that immature CiN cells highly express hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), which has recently been shown to be a promising therapeutic agent against SCI. Our findings suggest that immature CiN cells may provide an alternative strategy for the regenerative therapy of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiro Kurahashi
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (T.K.); (T.Y.)
| | - Chiyoko Nishime
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Eiko Nishinaka
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Yuji Komaki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Fumiko Seki
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Koji Urano
- Central Institute for Experimental Animals (CIEA), 3-25-12 Tonomachi, Kawasaki-ku, Kawasaki 210-0821, Japan; (C.N.); (E.N.); (Y.K.); (F.S.); (K.U.)
| | - Yoshinori Harada
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan;
| | - Toshikazu Yoshikawa
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (T.K.); (T.Y.)
- Louis Pasteur Center for Medical Research, 103-5 Tanaka-Monzen-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8225, Japan
| | - Ping Dai
- Department of Cellular Regenerative Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, 465 Kawaramachi-Hirokoji, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8566, Japan; (T.K.); (T.Y.)
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Fang YM, Chen WC, Zheng WJ, Yang YS, Zhang Y, Chen XL, Pei MQ, Lin S, He HF. A cutting-edge strategy for spinal cord injury treatment: resident cellular transdifferentiation. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1237641. [PMID: 37711511 PMCID: PMC10498389 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1237641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury causes varying degrees of motor and sensory function loss. However, there are no effective treatments for spinal cord repair following an injury. Moreover, significant preclinical advances in bioengineering and regenerative medicine have not yet been translated into effective clinical therapies. The spinal cord's poor regenerative capacity makes repairing damaged and lost neurons a critical treatment step. Reprogramming-based neuronal transdifferentiation has recently shown great potential in repair and plasticity, as it can convert mature somatic cells into functional neurons for spinal cord injury repair in vitro and in vivo, effectively halting the progression of spinal cord injury and promoting functional improvement. However, the mechanisms of the neuronal transdifferentiation and the induced neuronal subtypes are not yet well understood. This review analyzes the mechanisms of resident cellular transdifferentiation based on a review of the relevant recent literature, describes different molecular approaches to obtain different neuronal subtypes, discusses the current challenges and improvement methods, and provides new ideas for exploring therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Fang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wei-Can Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Wan-Jing Zheng
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yu-Shen Yang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xin-Li Chen
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qin Pei
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shu Lin
- Centre of Neurological and Metabolic Research, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
- Neuroendocrinology Group, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - He-Fan He
- Department of Anaesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Weng M, Hu H, Graus MS, Tan DS, Gao Y, Ren S, Ho DHH, Langer J, Holzner M, Huang Y, Ling GS, Lai CSW, Francois M, Jauch R. An engineered Sox17 induces somatic to neural stem cell fate transitions independently from pluripotency reprogramming. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh2501. [PMID: 37611093 PMCID: PMC10446497 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh2501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Advanced strategies to interconvert cell types provide promising avenues to model cellular pathologies and to develop therapies for neurological disorders. Yet, methods to directly transdifferentiate somatic cells into multipotent induced neural stem cells (iNSCs) are slow and inefficient, and it is unclear whether cells pass through a pluripotent state with full epigenetic reset. We report iNSC reprogramming from embryonic and aged mouse fibroblasts as well as from human blood using an engineered Sox17 (eSox17FNV). eSox17FNV efficiently drives iNSC reprogramming while Sox2 or Sox17 fail. eSox17FNV acquires the capacity to bind different protein partners on regulatory DNA to scan the genome more efficiently and has a more potent transactivation domain than Sox2. Lineage tracing and time-resolved transcriptomics show that emerging iNSCs do not transit through a pluripotent state. Our work distinguishes lineage from pluripotency reprogramming with the potential to generate more authentic cell models for aging-associated neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxi Weng
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Haoqing Hu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Matthew S. Graus
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardiovascular Development: Gene Regulation and Editing Program, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Genome Imaging Centre, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Daisylyn Senna Tan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ya Gao
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Shimiao Ren
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Derek Hoi Hang Ho
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jakob Langer
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Markus Holzner
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuhua Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guang Sheng Ling
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Cora Sau Wan Lai
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive and Brain Research, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Mathias Francois
- The David Richmond Laboratory for Cardiovascular Development: Gene Regulation and Editing Program, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- Genome Imaging Centre, The Centenary Institute, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
- The University of Sydney, School of Medical Sciences, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Ralf Jauch
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Center for Translational Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Böker KO, Gätjen L, Dölle C, Vasic K, Taheri S, Lehmann W, Schilling AF. Reduced Cell Adhesion on LightPLAS-Coated Implant Surfaces in a Three-Dimensional Bioreactor System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11608. [PMID: 37511369 PMCID: PMC10380481 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Most implants used in trauma surgery are made of steel and remain inside the body only temporarily. The strong tissue interaction of such implants sometimes creates problems with their explantation. Modified implant surfaces, which decrease tissue attachment, might allow an easier removal and therefore a better outcome. Such a modification must retain the implant function, and needs to be biocompatible and cost-effective. Here, we used a novel VUV-light (Vacuum-Ultraviolett)-based coating technology (LightPLAS) to generate coated stainless-steel plates. The tested LightPLAS coating only had an average thickness of around 335 nm, making it unlikely to interfere with implant function. The coated plates showed good biocompatibility according to ISO 10993-5 and ISO 10993-12, and reduced cell adhesion after four different time points in a 2D cell culture system with osteoblast-like MG-63 cells. Furthermore, we could show decreased cell adhesion in our 3D cell culture system, which mimics the fluid flow above the implant materials as commonly present in the in vivo environment. This new method of surface coating could offer extended options to design implant surfaces for trauma surgery to reduce cell adhesion and implant ingrowth. This may allow for a faster removal time, resulting in shorter overall operation times, thereby reducing costs and complication rates and increasing patient wellbeing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Oliver Böker
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August-University, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Linda Gätjen
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Christopher Dölle
- Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials IFAM, 28359 Bremen, Germany
| | - Katarina Vasic
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August-University, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Shahed Taheri
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August-University, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Lehmann
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August-University, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Arndt Friedrich Schilling
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Orthopaedics and Plastic Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August-University, 37075 Goettingen, Germany
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Wang Y, Xia Y, Kou L, Yin S, Chi X, Li J, Sun Y, Wu J, Zhou Q, Zou W, Jin Z, Huang J, Xiong N, Wang T. Astrocyte-to-neuron reprogramming and crosstalk in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106224. [PMID: 37433411 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is currently the fastest growing disabling neurological disorder worldwide, with motor and non-motor symptoms being its main clinical manifestations. The primary pathological features include a reduction in the number of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and decrease in dopamine levels in the nigrostriatal pathway. Existing treatments only alleviate clinical symptoms and do not stop disease progression; slowing down the loss of dopaminergic neurons and stimulating their regeneration are emerging therapies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that transplantation of dopamine cells generated from human embryonic or induced pluripotent stem cells can restore the loss of dopamine. However, the application of cell transplantation is limited owing to ethical controversies and the restricted source of cells. Until recently, the reprogramming of astrocytes to replenish lost dopaminergic neurons has provided a promising alternative therapy for PD. In addition, repair of mitochondrial perturbations, clearance of damaged mitochondria in astrocytes, and control of astrocyte inflammation may be extensively neuroprotective and beneficial against chronic neuroinflammation in PD. Therefore, this review primarily focuses on the progress and remaining issues in astrocyte reprogramming using transcription factors (TFs) and miRNAs, as well as exploring possible new targets for treating PD by repairing astrocytic mitochondria and reducing astrocytic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yun Xia
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Liang Kou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Sijia Yin
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaosa Chi
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jingwen Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yadi Sun
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jiawei Wu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Qiulu Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Wenkai Zou
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zongjie Jin
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Jinsha Huang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Nian Xiong
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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Lear BP, Moore DL. Moving CNS axon growth and regeneration research into human model systems. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1198041. [PMID: 37425013 PMCID: PMC10324669 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1198041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Axon regeneration is limited in the adult mammalian central nervous system (CNS) due to both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Rodent studies have shown that developmental age can drive differences in intrinsic axon growth ability, such that embryonic rodent CNS neurons extend long axons while postnatal and adult CNS neurons do not. In recent decades, scientists have identified several intrinsic developmental regulators in rodents that modulate growth. However, whether this developmentally programmed decline in CNS axon growth is conserved in humans is not yet known. Until recently, there have been limited human neuronal model systems, and even fewer age-specific human models. Human in vitro models range from pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons to directly reprogrammed (transdifferentiated) neurons derived from human somatic cells. In this review, we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each system, and how studying axon growth in human neurons can provide species-specific knowledge in the field of CNS axon regeneration with the goal of bridging basic science studies to clinical trials. Additionally, with the increased availability and quality of 'omics datasets of human cortical tissue across development and lifespan, scientists can mine these datasets for developmentally regulated pathways and genes. As there has been little research performed in human neurons to study modulators of axon growth, here we provide a summary of approaches to begin to shift the field of CNS axon growth and regeneration into human model systems to uncover novel drivers of axon growth.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Darcie L. Moore
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
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43
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Sun Z, Kwon JS, Ren Y, Chen S, Cates K, Lu X, Walker CK, Karahan H, Sviben S, Fitzpatrick JAJ, Valdez C, Houlden H, Karch CM, Bateman RJ, Sato C, Mennerick SJ, Diamond MI, Kim J, Tanzi RE, Holtzman DM, Yoo AS. Endogenous recapitulation of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology through human 3D direct neuronal reprogramming. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.24.542155. [PMID: 37292658 PMCID: PMC10245934 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.24.542155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder that primarily affects elderly individuals, and is characterized by hallmark neuronal pathologies including extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) plaque deposition, intracellular tau tangles, and neuronal death. However, recapitulating these age-associated neuronal pathologies in patient-derived neurons has remained a significant challenge, especially for late-onset AD (LOAD), the most common form of the disorder. Here, we applied the high efficiency microRNA-mediated direct neuronal reprogramming of fibroblasts from AD patients to generate cortical neurons in three-dimensional (3D) Matrigel and self-assembled neuronal spheroids. Our findings indicate that neurons and spheroids reprogrammed from both autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) and LOAD patients exhibited AD-like phenotypes linked to neurons, including extracellular Aβ deposition, dystrophic neurites with hyperphosphorylated, K63-ubiquitin-positive, seed-competent tau, and spontaneous neuronal death in culture. Moreover, treatment with β- or γ-secretase inhibitors in LOAD patient-derived neurons and spheroids before Aβ deposit formation significantly lowered Aβ deposition, as well as tauopathy and neurodegeneration. However, the same treatment after the cells already formed Aβ deposits only had a mild effect. Additionally, inhibiting the synthesis of age-associated retrotransposable elements (RTEs) by treating LOAD neurons and spheroids with the reverse transcriptase inhibitor, lamivudine, alleviated AD neuropathology. Overall, our results demonstrate that direct neuronal reprogramming of AD patient fibroblasts in a 3D environment can capture age-related neuropathology and reflect the interplay between Aβ accumulation, tau dysregulation, and neuronal death. Moreover, miRNA-based 3D neuronal conversion provides a human-relevant AD model that can be used to identify compounds that can potentially ameliorate AD-associated pathologies and neurodegeneration.
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Chang Y, Lee S, Kim J, Kim C, Shim HS, Lee SE, Park HJ, Kim J, Lee S, Lee YK, Park S, Yoo J. Gene Therapy Using Efficient Direct Lineage Reprogramming Technology for Neurological Diseases. NANOMATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:nano13101680. [PMID: 37242096 DOI: 10.3390/nano13101680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Gene therapy is an innovative approach in the field of regenerative medicine. This therapy entails the transfer of genetic material into a patient's cells to treat diseases. In particular, gene therapy for neurological diseases has recently achieved significant progress, with numerous studies investigating the use of adeno-associated viruses for the targeted delivery of therapeutic genetic fragments. This approach has potential applications for treating incurable diseases, including paralysis and motor impairment caused by spinal cord injury and Parkinson's disease, and it is characterized by dopaminergic neuron degeneration. Recently, several studies have explored the potential of direct lineage reprogramming (DLR) for treating incurable diseases, and highlighted the advantages of DLR over conventional stem cell therapy. However, application of DLR technology in clinical practice is hindered by its low efficiency compared with cell therapy using stem cell differentiation. To overcome this limitation, researchers have explored various strategies such as the efficiency of DLR. In this study, we focused on innovative strategies, including the use of a nanoporous particle-based gene delivery system to improve the reprogramming efficiency of DLR-induced neurons. We believe that discussing these approaches can facilitate the development of more effective gene therapies for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujung Chang
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul 04418, Republic of Korea
- Department of Molecular Biology, Nuturn Science, Sinsadong 559-8, Seoul 06037, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungwoo Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Kim
- Department of Bio-Health Technology, College of Biomedical Science, Kangwon National University, 1 Kangwondeahak-gil, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Chunggoo Kim
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul 04418, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Soo Shim
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul 04418, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Eun Lee
- Research Animal Resource Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeok Ju Park
- Database Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeongwon Kim
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Soohyun Lee
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Kyu Lee
- Database Laboratory, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dongguk University-Seoul, Pildong-ro 1-gil 30, Jung-gu, Seoul 04620, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungho Park
- Department of Chemistry, Sungkyunkwan University, 2066, Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Junsang Yoo
- Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine for Neurodegenerative Disease, Stand Up Therapeutics, Hannamdaero 98, Seoul 04418, Republic of Korea
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Kraskovskaya N, Bolshakova A, Khotin M, Bezprozvanny I, Mikhailova N. Protocol Optimization for Direct Reprogramming of Primary Human Fibroblast into Induced Striatal Neurons. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076799. [PMID: 37047770 PMCID: PMC10095147 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The modeling of neuropathology on induced neurons obtained by cell reprogramming technologies can fill a gap between clinical trials and studies on model organisms for the development of treatment strategies for neurodegenerative diseases. Patient-specific models based on patients’ cells play an important role in such studies. There are two ways to obtain induced neuronal cells. One is based on induced pluripotent stem cells. The other is based on direct reprogramming, which allows us to obtain mature neuronal cells from adult somatic cells, such as dermal fibroblasts. Moreover, the latter method makes it possible to better preserve the age-related aspects of neuropathology, which is valuable for diseases that occur with age. However, direct methods of reprogramming have a significant drawback associated with low cell viability during procedures. Furthermore, the number of reprogrammable neurons available for morphological and functional studies is limited by the initial number of somatic cells. In this article, we propose modifications of a previously developed direct reprogramming method, based on the combination of microRNA and transcription factors, which allowed us to obtain a population of functionally active induced striatal neurons (iSNs) with a high efficiency. We also overcame the problem of the presence of multinucleated neurons associated with the cellular division of starting fibroblasts. Synchronization cells in the G1 phase increased the homogeneity of the fibroblast population, increased the survival rate of induced neurons, and eliminated the presence of multinucleated cells at the end of the reprogramming procedure. We have demonstrated that iSNs are functionally active and able to form synaptic connections in co-cultures with mouse cortical neurons. The proposed modifications can also be used to obtain a population of other induced neuronal types, such as motor and dopaminergic ones, by selecting transcription factors that determine differentiation into a region-specific neuron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kraskovskaya
- Center of Cellular Technologies, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Anastasia Bolshakova
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mikhail Khotin
- Center of Cellular Technologies, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ilya Bezprozvanny
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurodegeneration, Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, 195251 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Natalia Mikhailova
- Center of Cellular Technologies, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Science, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
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Chen J, Huang L, Yang Y, Xu W, Qin Q, Qin R, Liang X, Lai X, Huang X, Xie M, Chen L. Somatic Cell Reprogramming for Nervous System Diseases: Techniques, Mechanisms, Potential Applications, and Challenges. Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13030524. [PMID: 36979334 PMCID: PMC10046178 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13030524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system diseases present significant challenges to the neuroscience community due to ethical and practical constraints that limit access to appropriate research materials. Somatic cell reprogramming has been proposed as a novel way to obtain neurons. Various emerging techniques have been used to reprogram mature and differentiated cells into neurons. This review provides an overview of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological research and therapy, focusing on neural reprogramming and generating different neural cell types. We examine the mechanisms involved in reprogramming and the challenges that arise. We herein summarize cell reprogramming strategies to generate neurons, including transcription factors, small molecules, and microRNAs, with a focus on different types of cells.. While reprogramming somatic cells into neurons holds the potential for understanding neurological diseases and developing therapeutic applications, its limitations and risks must be carefully considered. Here, we highlight the potential benefits of somatic cell reprogramming for neurological disease research and therapy. This review contributes to the field by providing a comprehensive overview of the various techniques used to generate neurons by cellular reprogramming and discussing their potential applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Lijuan Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Yue Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Qingchun Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Rongxing Qin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaojun Liang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xinyu Lai
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Xiaoying Huang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Minshan Xie
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China
- Key Laboratory of Longevity and Aging-Related Diseases of Chinese Ministry of Education, Nanning 530021, China
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Papadimitriou E, Koutsoudaki PN, Thanou I, Karagkouni D, Karamitros T, Chroni-Tzartou D, Gaitanou M, Gkemisis C, Margariti M, Xingi E, Tzartos SJ, Hatzigeorgiou AG, Thomaidou D. A miR-124-mediated post-transcriptional mechanism controlling the cell fate switch of astrocytes to induced neurons. Stem Cell Reports 2023; 18:915-935. [PMID: 36963393 PMCID: PMC10147664 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The microRNA (miRNA) miR-124 has been employed supplementary to neurogenic transcription factors (TFs) and other miRNAs to enhance direct neurogenic conversion. The aim of this study was to investigate whether miR-124 is sufficient to drive direct reprogramming of astrocytes to induced neurons (iNs) on its own and elucidate its independent mechanism of reprogramming action. Our data show that miR-124 is a potent driver of the reprogramming switch of astrocytes toward an immature neuronal fate by directly targeting the RNA-binding protein Zfp36L1 implicated in ARE-mediated mRNA decay and subsequently derepressing Zfp36L1 neurogenic interactome. To this end, miR-124 contribution in iNs' production largely recapitulates endogenous neurogenesis pathways, being further enhanced upon addition of the neurogenic compound ISX9, which greatly improves iNs' differentiation and functional maturation. Importantly, miR-124 is potent in guiding direct conversion of reactive astrocytes to immature iNs in vivo following cortical trauma, while ISX9 supplementation confers a survival advantage to newly produced iNs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elsa Papadimitriou
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Paraskevi N Koutsoudaki
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Irini Thanou
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Karagkouni
- DIANA-Lab, Hellenic Pasteur Institute & Department of Computer Science and Biomedical Informatics, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Timokratis Karamitros
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Dafni Chroni-Tzartou
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Gaitanou
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology - Stem Cells, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Christos Gkemisis
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Margariti
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Xingi
- Light Microscopy Unit, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Socrates J Tzartos
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology and Immunology, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Artemis G Hatzigeorgiou
- Bioinformatics and Applied Genomics Unit, Department of Microbiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitra Thomaidou
- Neural Stem Cells and Neuroimaging Group, Department of Neurobiology, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece; Light Microscopy Unit, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Athens, Greece.
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48
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Molecular Mechanisms Involved in the Regulation of Neurodevelopment by miR-124. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3569-3583. [PMID: 36840845 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03271-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
miR-124 is a miRNA predominantly expressed in the nervous system and accounts for more than a quarter of the total miRNAs in the brain. It regulates neurogenesis, neuronal differentiation, neuronal maturation, and synapse formation and is the most important miRNA in the brain. Furthermore, emerging evidence has suggested miR-124 may be associated with the pathogenesis of various neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we provide an overview of the role of miR-124 in neurodevelopment and the underling mechanisms, and finally, we prospect the significance of miR-124 research to the field of neuroscience.
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49
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Namkung H, Yukitake H, Fukudome D, Lee BJ, Tian M, Ursini G, Saito A, Lam S, Kannan S, Srivastava R, Niwa M, Sharma K, Zandi P, Jaaro-Peled H, Ishizuka K, Chatterjee N, Huganir RL, Sawa A. The miR-124-AMPAR pathway connects polygenic risks with behavioral changes shared between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Neuron 2023; 111:220-235.e9. [PMID: 36379214 PMCID: PMC10183200 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2022.10.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BP) are highly heritable major psychiatric disorders that share a substantial portion of genetic risk as well as their clinical manifestations. This raises a fundamental question of whether, and how, common neurobiological pathways translate their shared polygenic risks into shared clinical manifestations. This study shows the miR-124-3p-AMPAR pathway as a key common neurobiological mediator that connects polygenic risks with behavioral changes shared between these two psychotic disorders. We discovered the upregulation of miR-124-3p in neuronal cells and the postmortem prefrontal cortex from both SZ and BP patients. Intriguingly, the upregulation is associated with the polygenic risks shared between these two disorders. Seeking mechanistic dissection, we generated a mouse model that upregulates miR-124-3p in the medial prefrontal cortex. We demonstrated that the upregulation of miR-124-3p increases GRIA2-lacking calcium-permeable AMPARs and perturbs AMPAR-mediated excitatory synaptic transmission, leading to deficits in the behavioral dimensions shared between SZ and BP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Namkung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Brian J Lee
- Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Gianluca Ursini
- Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins Medical Campus, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | | | - Shravika Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Suvarnambiga Kannan
- Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Minae Niwa
- Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kamal Sharma
- Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Peter Zandi
- Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Mental Health, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | | | - Nilanjan Chatterjee
- Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, MD, USA; Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Richard L Huganir
- Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD, USA; Kavli Neuroscience Discovery Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Akira Sawa
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD, USA; Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA; Department of Mental Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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50
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Zhang H, Zhu H, Feng J, Zhang Z, Zhang S, Wang Z, Sun L, Zhang W, Gao B, Zhang Y, Lin M. Reprogramming of Activated Pancreatic Stellate Cells via Mechanical Modulation of Transmembrane Force-sensitive N-cadherin Receptor. J Mol Biol 2023; 435:167819. [PMID: 36089055 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has been the leading cause of death due mainly to tumor metastasis. The tumor microenvironment plays a key role in tumor metastasis. As the main stromal cells in tumor microenvironment originated from activated fibroblast, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a major role in promoting tumor metastasis. A promising therapeutic avenue is reprogramming of CAFs into tumor-restraining quiescence state. In this study, we observed that CAF-like active pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) interact with each other via N-cadherin, a force-sensitive transmembrane receptor. Since N-cadherin ligation mediated mechanotransduction has been reported to restrict integrin mediated signalling, we thus hypothesized that the reprogramming of activated PSCs by mechanical modulation of N-cadherin ligation might be possible. To test this hypothesis, we grafted N-cadherin ligand (HAVDI peptide) onto soft polyethylene glycol hydrogel substrate prior to cell adhesion to mimic cell-cell interaction via N-cadherin ligation. We found that the activated PSCs could be reprogrammed to their original quiescent state when transferred onto the substrate with immobilized HAVDI peptide. These results reveal a key role of mechanosensing by intercellular transmembrane receptor in reprogramming of activated PSCs, and provide a potential way for designing novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Hongyuan Zhu
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Jinteng Feng
- Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Simei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, PR China
| | - Lin Sun
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Bin Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, PR China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Xijing 986 Hospital Department, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710054, PR China
| | - Min Lin
- The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China; Bioinspired Engineering and Biomechanics Center (BEBC), Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
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